On Sunday, Rotarians from over 225 countries, including Great Britain and Ireland, gathered in Lisbon for the opening of the 104th Rotary International Convention.
This year’s theme is A Harbor for Peace and during his opening remarks, Rotary International President, Sakuji Tanaka, shared how he came to make the connection between peace and service. He recalled how at a very early age, he heard the announcement on the radio by Japanese Emperor Hirohito announcing the end of World War II.
“Until that day, the country had been working together to win the war. Now, we would work together to rebuild and we would work together to create a new identity for Japan, one that was committed to peace,” he said.
“Here in Lisbon, we have the chance to experience the world as it could be: with people from every continent united to make their world a better place. Here we see how little our differences matter. Here we focus on what is truly important and what we can do to help others live better and happier lives.”
Portugal’s Minister of Solidarity and Social Security, Pedro Mota Soares, praised Rotarians for their peacemaking efforts and for tackling large causes like the eradication of polio.
“What is important to Rotary is important to Portugal, it is important to any country and it is important to the world,” he said. “You put your interest aside for the benefit of the world. It is something we as politicians should do more often.”
The quartet Il Divo, comprising Swiss tenor Urs Buhler, Spanish baritone Carlos Marin, French pop artist Sebastien Izambard and American tenor David Miller, performed at the conclusion of the plenary session. Buhler noted that the members of the group, being from four different countries, share Rotary’s understanding of the importance of setting aside personal differences to work for the common good.
The 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon runs until 26 June.
